Meeting Leonidas so soon was not part of my plan. Not after the kiss we shared. I had no intention of keeping it as a cherished memory–far from it. I had bound myself to Killian Rudwick, and I was not about to jeopardize my position, nor Leonidas. Still, the reminder of that forbidden moment made my heart lurch.
Thankfully, Leonidas was behaving like the sharp–tongued Beta I had come to know or in short, the Sassy Beta with a lot of charm. He didn’t bring up last night, and for that, I was grateful.
There was an amused twinkle in that single uncovered eye and the vein in my temple twitched in annoyance.
I looked up at him, keeping my expression calm. “I’m sure if I give you an answer to your question, then you’re thinking in two ways. So, the answer is yes and no.”
I could see the amusement in his raised eyebrows. Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I added, “And thank you, Leonidas, for your advice”
His thin grin was irritating. “I knew you would take it.”
“You’ve already earned some of the Lycan King’s favor. There’s no need to fear those who would try to
Then, with a slight tilt of his head, he added, “You” push you into hell again.”
1 stiffened at Beta Leonidas words, I didn’t expect that kind of thing to be heard by me this early. Before I could reply, he leaned in slightly, his tone turning softer and dangerous.
“The king does not accept anyone who touches what belongs
s to him”
The veiled warning was clear, and I nodded slowly. Although I was only a woman who had just been bought, at least this was a little better. Being the favorite of a King. That didn’t sound terrible at all in comparison to being killed ridiculously at the hands of a fake family. I didn’t know what my future fate would be like after that revenge, but one thing was certain: I wanted to strengthen my position at the King’s side.
With that my life was safe.
As Leonidas turned to leave, he patted my shoulder gently.
“Congratulations on your rebirth, Luna,” he said over his shoulder.
I laughed, unable to help myself, and looked at his retreating figure.
Rebirth. Yes, that’s what rebirth is–a transformation from a woman who was once fooled and deceived into someone who will never be manipulated again.
The dining hall bustled with activity as I approached, the aroma of grilled meat and warm bread wafting out to greet me. I ignored the guards who bowed and greeted me as I walked by. Although I could still laugh and hold up hay face with the authoritative posture of Luna, my heart was broken irreparably
The smell of the meat instantly triggered memories of Alicia, my beloved daughter. She loved the grilled meat and the dessert, strawberry pudding or sometimes fresh fruit pieces. Usually at this time of the day, my daughter would whine for pudding first before eating the main course.
1, on the other hand, try to persuade her to be a good girl and follow the rules of eating. Sometimes I would get a little grumpy and end up being lulled by her puppy dog cycs.
“Mom, I don’t like vegetables. Can’t it be replaced by pudding?”
“No, my dear. Vegetables are good
for you!
“But I’m a she–wolf! I don’t need vegetables, I need meat
“Indeed. But sweetheart, vegetables are good for the kids
Til eat them if I get double pudding!”
closing my eyes for a while, I let out a shaky breath. I hurriedly buried the memory as deep as possible. My eyes were already starting to heat up Noj don’t cry. Alicia would be sad to see her mother crying all the time.
Halfway across the place, I paused for a moment. Dominic and Camilla were in front, walking together. Dominic’s hand rested on Camilla’s arm, guiding her with a gentleness that made my stomach twist. Seeing them together, so happy without realizing the mess they caused, ignited the flames of my anger.
1/2
Chapter 20
– Camilla was the first to see me, her expression flickering with something Trouble’t guess.
Hored a polar nod, refusing to let my gare fall on Dominic. I had no time for him. He wasn’t worth the effort
“Ruby,” nay Eather scolded, walking towards me from the opposite direction. “That was ride. You should treat your sister with respect,”
Lalways do,” I replied firmaly. I gave my fake sister a brief glance, then numest back to my asshole fake dad. “You don’t have to worry, father” Iwas about to move away from the horde of pests only to be stopped by my father’s shout.
“Do you dare turn your back on your family! Tus
is not done yet
Mom stapped, “Honey, stop scolding Ruby. We’re almost late for the feast hall now. We have to greet the Lycan King before he arrives first!” “I’m teaching my uneducated daughter a lesson! She dula’t even visit her sick sister!” Nathaniel exclaimed angrily.
I turned to face him, carefully setting my face into a mask of calm.
“I already saw her this morning.” I replied.
Before Nathaniel could press further, Camilla stepped in, placing her hand gently on his arm.
“Dad, please,” she begged, her expression the most inscent girl in the entire universe. “Don’t scold on her. Ruby has been under so much pressure Tin supe she didn’t mean i
Her wide, innocent eyes looked up at me. I had to admit she played the role of the weak and caring little sister perfectly, and I resisted the urge to applaud her while showering her with thomy roses. It was always the same act, the same manipulation,
I said nothing, letting the silence hang as Lurned and walked towards the banquet hall. If they expected me to play along with their charades, then that’s exactly what they got. Oh, they’ll be happy to play charades with me. Their new ruby.
Arriving at the location, the Lycan King and his loyal Beta had just reached the same entrance. Those crimson eyes were immediately fixed on ine and suddenly my whole body became warm from that gaze.
“Right on time it seems, Lana Ruby
The man’s attention shified subtly and I followed the direction of his gaze. The corners of his lips cugged into a fake friendly smile.
“And hello to you, the Lucienne. I almost forgot about you.”
but the Lycan King always had big surprises. The king stepped past me and stopped in front of
I expected him to enter the banquet hall right away La Camila, Everyone suddenly became quiedy tense
“Are
e you feeling well, young lady Lucienne?” he asked.
Y yes yes, Your Majesty!
Killian hummed doubtfully. “Please forgive my clumsiness as your ki
King, but why is your belly a little bigger?”
And then the most feared man in the entire continent added one more point of pleasure.
“We have the best healers. I would be luppy to help check your health. Would you, young lady Lucienne?”
